COPD decisions — 2010

The Board found that no service-connected disability contributed substantially or materially to the Veteran's death. The cause of death was asphyxia secondary to hemoptysis, pulmonary infection possibly tuberculosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and uremia. Beriberi was noted as a significant condition contributing to death.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for skin disorders, lung disorder including COPD, and hypertension due to herbicide exposure. The evidence did not meet the criteria for reopening any of these claims.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for malaria was denied as there is no evidence of current diagnosis or treatment for the disease. The claims for COPD and PTSD were not addressed due to the remand.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination to address whether COPD and abdominal aortic aneurysm developed in service or are related to smoking. The claims will be adjudicated again after this additional development.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a current evaluation of his service-connected COPD secondary to asbestosis, including pulmonary function tests (PFTs).

The Veteran's claims for service connection for COPD and an increased evaluation for hypertension were denied. The Board found no competent medical evidence linking the current conditions to service or any other basis.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to June 7, 1999 for service connection of SFW of the right rhomboideus muscle (MG II) is granted.,The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to June 7, 1999 for a separate compensable rating for SFW of the right anterior shoulder (MG III) is granted.

The Board denied both claims: recognition as a POW and service connection for the cause of death. The appellant's contentions were not supported by credible evidence.

The Veteran's respiratory disorder, including COPD, was not incurred or aggravated by service and cannot be presumed to have been so incurred or aggravated due to exposure to herbicide agents. The claim is denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's current pulmonary disorders are related to his in-service asbestos exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of asbestosis or any asbestos-related disease, and therefore service connection for asbestosis is denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for asthma and COPD is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that there was no competent evidence to support the appellant's assertion that shrapnel in the Veteran's lung caused his lung cancer and contributed to his COPD.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a pulmonary/respiratory disability and TDIU due to lack of evidence showing a nexus between his current conditions and military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's COPD is not related to service and denied his claim.

The Veteran's muscle damage of the left leg is found to be related to service, while his chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is not found to be related to service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a videoconference hearing at the Muskogee, Oklahoma RO.

The VA determined that none of the Veteran's service-connected conditions contributed to his death.

The Veteran's lung disorder, diagnosed as emphysema, obstructive respiratory disease, and likely chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is not etiologically related to active service or asbestos exposure. The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of hepatitis C.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disorder, including COPD and fibrosis as a result of asbestos exposure is being remanded due to the need for further development regarding in-service exposure.